I wanted to like this a little more than I did and I think I am going to purchase the book when it comes out to try a different experience. Sometimes physical books just pull me in more.

I generally finish books very quickly and this one took me many days because I kept picking up other books. I loved learning about the tarot even thought it generally isn’t my thing. However, I found the writing at times to be confusing where so had to reread many pages in order to keep track of what was going on. BUT that can totally be a “me” thing of right book, wrong time.

The romance was ok. I more wanted to root for Kaelis as opposed to Clara who was so stubborn that it turned me off a bit.
However, the world building was great! It’s chock full of information that I think fantasy lovers are going to eat up. It’s definitely one of those books where a person can escape into another world and wish they could be apart of.


I am thankful to have gotten an eARC for free from Del Rey through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

Elise Kova knows how to COOK. Especially fantasy worlds. The magic system in this book is elite. CHEFS KISS. Beautiful. Deep. Immersive. But not dense. I found myself moving through fight scenes like I was in my own FMC training montage.

We have the reliable tension and angst elements which are just fleshy enough to give me what I want while also not spoiling the whole meal for me.

She is not what I would call a spicy author. It’s the type of writing I compare to VE Schwab in that you get tension, longer and list but not penetration. WHICH IS FINE. BUT Arcana Academy delivers with a bit more of a white pepper hit to the spice level.

I was personally glad to be here for every second of this book and cannot wait to see where this goes.

Thank you to Hodderscope for approving me on NetGalley for the latest fantasy masterpiece by Elise Kova.

4.5⭐️ Are you kidding me?! A true enemies to maybe lovers, arranged/fake marriage adventure in a world of magic. Elise Kova has created a rich and deep world that focus on Clara - an arcanist skilled in inking tarot cards - a highly regulated craft. After being caught illegally inking cards and a stint in prison she is, to her shock, whisked away to the actual academy that trains arcanists. And it just so happens to be under the guise of being the betrothed of a prince (who may or may not be the reason she was arrested). Everyone is carrying secrets so who can you really trust?

A wonderfully fast-paced read that keeps you on your toes and is full of twists and turns. I can’t wait for the next installment.

Elise Kova’s Arcana Academy is an electrifying blend of magic, mystery, and romance that will captivate fantasy lovers from page one. Imagine the spellbinding world-building of Harry Potter infused with the strategy and high-stakes duels of Yu-Gi-Oh, all wrapped in a unique tarot-based magic system. This novel is a thrilling adventure that doesn’t just invite you in—it pulls you deep into its enchanting and dangerous world.

At the heart of Arcana Academy is a gripping enemies-to-lovers romance that crackles with tension. The protagonists are forced into close proximity, creating a slow-burn dynamic that keeps the chemistry sizzling. Their journey is layered with intrigue, personal growth, and high-stakes challenges that make every interaction feel like a battle of both wits and emotions.

Beyond the romance, the novel shines with its richly crafted magic system. The tarot-inspired abilities are not only unique but also add an element of strategy that sets Arcana Academy apart from other fantasy books. The mystery woven throughout the plot keeps readers on their toes, making this an addictive read from start to finish.

For fans of immersive fantasy, intense rivalries, and slow-burn romance, Arcana Academy is a must-read. Mark your calendars—this spellbinding adventure arrives this July, and you won’t want to miss it!

Arcana Academy by Elise Kova offers an exciting mix of magic, romance, and mystery, set in a world where tarot cards grant powerful abilities. The intricate magic system based on tarot cards is fresh and unique, adding depth to the fantasy genre, and Clara’s journey through the academy is full of intrigue and complex relationships. While the pacing is a bit slow at times and the romance could’ve had more emotional depth, the world-building and suspense kept me hooked, especially with the twisty plot and intense cliffhanger at the end.

Arcana Academy is a fantastic addition to the fantasy genre, offering a unique and well-crafted magic system that sets it apart from the usual tropes. The worldbuilding is immersive, but what truly shines are the characters—each one felt real, with struggles and emotions that grounded them despite the magical setting.

I appreciated how the story blended fantasy with real-life challenges, making it easy to connect with the characters and their journeys. The pacing kept me engaged, and while I would have loved a bit more depth in certain areas, overall, this was an exciting and enjoyable read.

If you love fantasy with fresh magic systems and well-developed characters, Arcana Academy is definitely worth picking up! I can’t wait to see what comes next in this world.

Elise Kova once again proves to me that there is still hope for the romantasy genre. This book had the PERFECT mix of world building, character development, relationship building with AMAZING banter. Plus you have dark academia (which y’all know I’m a sucker for) I devoured it. I was seriously about to throw the whole genre in the trash because EVERYBOOK was reading the same. But I should’ve known Elise would drop a good one. I am so thankful I received it his arc from the publishers. I thank you ten fold for the opportunity to be one of the firsts to read this. Absolutely stunning. Do yourself a favor and preorder this book asap. Then as soon as you get it drop everything on your TBR and read it.

Elise Kova once again delivers an enthralling fantasy adventure with Arcana Academy, blending magic, romance, and high-stakes intrigue into a spellbinding read. From the very first page, the story sweeps you into a world of tarot-infused magic, dangerous secrets, and unexpected alliances.

Clara Graysword is a compelling protagonist—clever, resourceful, and fiercely independent. Her rare ability to ink tarot cards sets her apart in a world where magic is both coveted and controlled. When she’s forced into a reluctant alliance (and a fake engagement!) with the enigmatic Prince Kaelis, the tension crackles with every interaction. Their dynamic is filled with banter, slow-burning chemistry, and just the right amount of intrigue to keep you hooked.

The setting of Arcana Academy is richly detailed, immersing readers in a world of elite magical education, royal politics, and hidden agendas. Kova’s signature storytelling shines through, balancing fast-paced action with deeply emotional character moments. Fans of A Deal with the Elf King will love the blend of romance and adventure, while the unique tarot magic system adds a fresh twist to the fantasy academy genre.

With its gripping plot, compelling romance, and a dash of danger, Arcana Academy is a must-read for fans of magical intrigue and slow-burn relationships. If you love fantasy with strong heroines, mysterious heroes, and a world brimming with secrets, this book will have you eagerly awaiting the next installment!

This book captivated me from the very first page. The author's vivid descriptions bring Eclipse City and Arcana Academy to life, immersing readers in a world where magic and danger go hand in hand. Clara is a compelling heroine, tough and resourceful, yet vulnerable. Her interactions with Prince Kaelis are charged with tension and chemistry, making their reluctant partnership both thrilling and heartwarming. The plot is expertly paced, with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.

A thrilling blend of magic and intrigue set against the dangerous backdrop of Eclipse City. Clara Graysword’s sharp wit and rebellious nature make her an unforgettable heroine, while her tangled alliance with the mysterious Prince Kaelis keeps you guessing until the very last page.

I am a mess. This was so cool and fun and creative. The tarot magic system was like nothing I’ve ever read before as was the secret noble trope. Genuinely I didn’t know what was going to happen next while still feeling like I had all the necessary information at the time. And the twists at the end??? I’m so excited for book two I can’t even describe it. That said I do feel like one of the deaths at the end were a little unnecessary. Like pick one but not both.

Arcana Academy is for those who like an intricate and unique magic system with a long-suffering protagonist who fights against an unfair system and who has a mysterious and captivating "shadow" guy as an enemy, all tied together with dark academia and political intrigue vibes. It's the first book I've read by Elise Kova and it was a great introduction, which made me interested in reading her other works in the future.

Clara Graysword, a skilled but outlawed magical tarot card crafter, is caught after a heist gone wrong. To escape prison, she strikes a deal with Prince Kaelis, the enigmatic headmaster of Arcana Academy, agreeing to a fake engagement while helping him retrieve some powerful tarot cards from the king. As Clara navigates the academy’s mysteries and her growing feelings for Kaelis, she must decide where her loyalties truly lie. The novel blends slow-burn romance, enemies-to-lovers tension and high-stakes magic.

The plot and magic system of this book were the first things that captivated me and made me request an ARC to read. I found the idea of ​​tarot cards that give you different powers very unique; I've never read a book like it before. It even made me want to learn how to read tarot, hahaha.

In the world of this book, everyone who has the ability to use cards must enter the academy when they turn 20. This system is very unfair and the price of being accepted into the academy is merciless; you must give up an aspect of your future. Right after passing this first test, you become an initiate and begin to train your tarot skills in 3 instances: inking, reading and wielding. At the end of your first year, you must be accepted into one of the four houses of the Academy: wands, cups, coins and swords. But to do so, you must have impressed the other students enough for them to give you a coin, which is basically an invitation for you to enter a particular house. In addition, you'll still have to pass a test of the 3 card skills, and you need to pass at least 2 so that you can request a spot in the house you want. For this, you need to have a coin (invitation) and the house needs to have a vacant spot for you. All throughout that process, you can die if someone or a magical mistake kills you.

Confusing? I found it that way at first. The magic system in Arcana Academy is very complex, there are many details, different trials and several tarot cards with different powers and that, when read, also have different meanings. Tarot itself is already complex, using it as a magic system with powers is even more complicated. However, I believe that Elise Kova did her best to try to make the system as understandable as possible. Even though it's overwhelming at first, when you finish the book, you realize that you understand it much better. It's like when you read the rules of complex board games, which you don't understand at all, but as you play, you start to get it.

The plot becomes even more complex when we add the various noble houses + a tyrannical royal family + a conspiracy + an arranged marriage + many secondary characters. Arcana Academy has a little bit of everything, which makes it all a lot. However, as much as I was confused, especially at the beginning, I thought everything tied together well in the end.

The main female character, Clara, is a real bad ass in every sense of the word. She has been through a lot of suffering that seems to never end, but she perseveres and always tries to stay focused on her goals. Her skill with tarot is incredible, which makes her have to hide her talent to avoid attracting attention and to avoid people finding out that she's the prison escapee. Clara is extremely stubborn, often making decisions or having thoughts that left me pulling my hair out. As much as she irritated me sometimes, I like characters like that, who aren't perfect and have room for growth. In addition, Clara is an altruist by nature, trying to help people escape the oppressive system they live in. However, helping others and always being the one to suffer the catastrophic consequences begins to weigh on her and Clara begins to wonder if she should put herself first more.

Our male protagonist Kaelis is the famous shadow guy; dark, tall, lean, enigmatic, dark haired, flirtatious, brooding and who has a cat and a sad past to top it off. I've read several characters who sound and act exactly like him, especially when he uses the nickname "Darling" at a specific moment. However, even though it's not original, it worked for me. I was very interested in Kaelis' story and thoughts, at many times even more than I was with Clara. So, I missed not having his POV in the book. But I can understand that the writer didn't want to spoil the mystery of the secrets he carries, at least not yet. I imagine that in the second book we'll have his POV, at least I hope so. Kaelis isn't the most powerful character in the book, but he's super talented with cards and his attitude of wisdom and control give him this aura of untouchability and he has the ability to scare other characters into behaving, which he needs since he's the headmaster of the academy and the king's second son, so the "spare". We saw Kaelis very controlled throughout almost the entire book, I'd like to see him in a more real and brutal way, I want to see him losing control in the next books.

The romance is slow burn since Clara hates the royal family and blames them for all her suffering. Having to pretend to be in love with Kaelis to avoid going back to prison is torture for her, but as I said before, she tends to focus on the bigger picture. As the book goes on, Clara discovers that Kaelis isn't exactly who she imagined him to be and her hatred begins to give way to an intriguing attraction. I missed a deeper connection between the two. I could feel the sexual tension, but I think the emotional aspect could've been explored more. I felt that the feeling of love grew too quickly and too suddenly after they started to care for each other more. Maybe there are secrets behind this, at least on Kaelis's part. I hope to get some answers in the next book. The sexual scenes are on page, but they aren't that explicit. Even so, I think Elise did a good job with them. As much as I would've liked their relationship to be more developed, I understand that there were many plot aspects to address in this book, so there wasn't much space. I hope that in the future we can see a more organic and developed growth of sentiment, as there's a lot of potential for that.

About the secondary character, there are so many that I sometimes got lost or confused about who was who. I didn't feel like we had much room to develop them because there were so many, only a few received more attention from the author. Again, I imagine it was due to the complexity of the plot in this first book. The fact that there are different hair and eye colors in the world of Arcana Academy also didn't help me form a clear image of what each character looked like in my head, which made me connect even less with them. Physical details were often not mentioned as much either, so I even forgot what a certain character looked like physically. This even happened with the main characters. Clara, for example, started the book with her hair chopped to her ears because she was a prisoner, but she spent many months in the academy, her hair must have grown, right? But we don't get any mention of this, I have no idea.

There are several plot cores happening simultaneously in the book, some plot twists surprised me, which is a great positive point. Even though I found the pacing of the book very slow at the beginning, mainly because we were being introduced to the complex magic system and society organization, when it got to the middle, I felt that the pacing had improved. I was understanding more about the world and had become more attached to the protagonists. I must say that the final part of the book was the best of all for me, I devoured the last chapters and the cliffhanger is killer, I'll be dying to read the next book.

Finally, I really enjoyed getting to know Elise Kova's work and I feel that this new series has immense potential. It has unique characteristics and a very interesting conspiracy plot, as well as captivating characters. It has its flaws, which I mentioned, but nothing that I found serious and that cannot be fixed in later volumes, especially since this is only the first book and it needed to be more descriptive in how the world of the story works. Furthermore, I loved the book enough to only take half a star off for these flaws, because my enjoyment and immersion weren't that affected.

I imagine that Arcana Academy will become a hit this year, at least I believe it has everything it needs to make it happen. I was honored to have been approved to read the ARC and I'll immediately recommend it to all my friends who like Romantasy. It's a great start for an amazing new series!

Ps.: I'd love to use several beautiful quotes that I highlighted as I usually do in my reviews, but at the request of the author and publisher, as it is an uncorrected work, I won't include them as they may be modified in the final version.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for providing and approving my ARC!

✨ RATING
- C (characters): 7/10
- A (atmosphere): 8/10
- W (writing): 9/10
- P (plot): 8/10
- I (intrigue): 9/10
- L (logic): 8/10
- E (enjoyment): 8/10
↬ TOTAL: 8.14 = ⭐⭐⭐⭐+0.5

💦 SPICE: 🌶️🌶️

🔖 TROPES:
- Enemies to Lovers
- Fake Engagement
- Forced Proximity
- Found Family
- Political Conspiracy
- Tarot Cards Magic System
- "Deadly" Trials/Competition
- Magic Academy Setting
- Dark Academia Vibes

⚠️ Trigger Warnings: imprisonment, loss of loved ones

Arcana Academy by Elise Kova
Thank you to NetGalley, Del Ray & Random House for this ARC.

Elise Kova is always an immediate buy for me. She makes fantasy world building gold every time. She has done it once again with Arcana Academy. The magic system based off of tarot and how the cards hold power is beautiful and inspired new take on magic.

Clara was a FMC I found myself cheering for and wanting to know more about. She’s a female lead whose character is strong in her identity and doesn’t need help deciding her moral compass. She may hold the cards but she doesn’t hold all the answers to the mysteries she’s trying to solve. I found myself just as intrigued by them. She knows nothing is as it seems but she wants to trust the people around her. Kaelis’ character was the MMC that we didn’t get to learn enough about and it had to be intentional. There’s more to the prince who’s playing the game of hidden cards. With so much mystery and treachery it’s hard not to know what the cards will show next. For the prisoner turned princess Clara must play the game with the cards she has and hope the wheel of fortune will be on her side. 


Arcana Academy is treacherous and I can’t wait to step back into its halls.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House publishing for letting me read this as an ARC.

Arcana Academy ** 5 stars

Mark my words this series is going to be the new bookstagram obession! I loved this book. I don't know about tarot cards very well ,but this book made me want to. The whole tarot / arcana world is still kind of confusing to me , but I don't even care. (hint: there is a glossary at the end that I wish I would of seen earlier that tells you what all the cards can do. very much needed) Clara the FMC is stubborn, whitty, and her perseverance draws you in and makes you love her. There's a slow burn with the powerful bad boy prince Kaelis that completely frustartes you. There's magic, battles, betrayl, and friendship that keeps you wanting more. I know this book would end on a cliff hanger sense it said it was book 1 , but OMG I'm left with so many questions and theories. Like who betrayed us?? How much did the certian people know?? Who can we trust?? So many unanswered questions. The book left me wondering and gutted and that's how I know this book is good. Clara knows very little about who she really is and I can't wait to continue the series and find out!

3.5 - I loved the world building and the magic system using tarot cards was so cool and unique. Unfortunately what fell flat were the main characters…I found Clara annoying and the chemistry between her and the MC was nonexistent in my opinion.

Thank you Netgalley and Del Ray for the ARC!

Arcana Academy: A Whirlwind of Magic and Mystery (4/5 Stars)

Elise Kova's Arcana Academy is a fun, fast-paced read that throws readers headfirst into a world of elemental magic and hidden dangers. The story follows a group of gifted teens as they navigate the treacherous halls of Arcana Academy, a place where mastering your abilities is crucial for survival. Kova excels at creating a compelling protagonist in the form of a newcomer who's thrust into a world she doesn't understand, forcing her to quickly adapt and learn the ropes. The supporting characters are equally engaging, each with their own unique personalities and magical talents, making for a dynamic and interesting ensemble cast.

The plot is a rollercoaster of twists and turns, keeping you guessing at every corner. The mysteries surrounding the academy and the source of the characters' powers are intriguing, slowly unraveling to reveal a larger, more complex world. The action sequences are well-written and exciting, showcasing the characters' developing magical skills and keeping the pace brisk. The romantic subplot adds a layer of sweetness and tension, though it sometimes takes a backseat to the main plot.

What truly shines in Arcana Academy is Kova's world-building. The magic system is well-defined and creative, and the descriptions of the academy itself are vivid and immersive. You can easily picture yourself walking the hallowed halls and experiencing the thrill of learning alongside the students.

However, the book isn't without its flaws. At times, the pacing feels a little too quick, leaving some plot points feeling slightly underdeveloped. While the characters are likeable, some of their motivations could have been explored in more depth. Additionally, some of the dialogue occasionally felt a bit clichéd.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Arcana Academy is an enjoyable and captivating read for fans of YA fantasy. It's a perfect blend of magic, mystery, and action, with a touch of romance thrown in for good measure. If you're looking for a book that will transport you to a world of wonder and keep you on the edge of your seat, then Arcana Academy is definitely worth checking out. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series to see where Kova takes these characters and their magical journey next.

Arcana Academy by Elise Kova is a masterpiece! I loved everything about this book. Such a rich story. The characters are fantastic and the storyline is immaculate.

Arcana Academy is the first book in Elise Kova’s new series, and it’s a wild ride from start to finish. In a world where magic is wielded through tarot cards, we meet Clara Graysword, an illegal arcanist who’s been locked up for a year. Enter Kaelis, the second prince and headmaster of Arcana Academy, who helps her escape in exchange for her help. Their deal? Clara pretends to be in love with him, a fake engagement to help him secure the ultimate card—the World, which can rewrite reality. In return, he promises to keep her out of prison.

The magic system here is hands down one of the coolest I’ve read. Tarot cards as the basis for magical powers is fresh and unique, and Kova does a fantastic job of making it easy to follow while still feeling deep and complex. The world-building is rich and immersive, pulling you into a setting that’s dark, magical, and full of secrets. There’s so much going on with the system, and I was honestly hooked by how it all worked.
As for the romance—it’s definitely slow burn with a good dose of tension and angst. The forced engagement trope between Clara and Kaelis is great for adding a bit of heat and suspense, but it’s not the main focus. Their dynamic keeps you on your toes, especially as the book progresses and more layers are peeled back. It’s clear they have chemistry, but the romance takes its time to develop, which might leave some readers wanting more one-on-one moments between them. That said, the chemistry is there, and you can feel the potential for what’s to come in the later books.

If you’re into dark academia, slow-burn romance, and a unique magic system, Arcana Academy is a must-read. While it might not fully deliver on the romance right away, the book sets up a ton of potential for future books. It’s got twists, turns, and enough mystery to keep you hooked, and I’m already counting down the days for the next one

Firstly, a huge thank you to Elise, Del Rey and NetGalley for providing me with an opportunity to read this eARC of Arcana Academy.

Elise does it again! Wow. Blown away by this book. I loved the unique magic system and how intricately detailed it is. From the different houses to the spells cast by different cards. It was wonderfully done and so immersive.

Clara, our FMC, is fantastic. She’s brave and loyal, with a fiery and independent side that’s borne out of what she’s had to face in her life. I loved her character arc and following her story as she has to try and toe the line in the academy, hiding her true identity and playing a dangerous game of politics and magic that could cost her life.

Kaelis is a wonderfully complex MMC, who at first is arrogant and cold, but then we start to get some glimpses behind the curtain. I actually feel like he’s the character I understand the least, which I think is intentional. He’s playing the game for so long, I’m not sure he knows how to be truly vulnerable and honest anymore. I’m really looking forward to exploring his character more in future books and uncovering his true motives. I have some theories but keeping my review spoiler free!

Arcana Academy is brilliant. I couldn’t put it down - a well thought out magic system combined with an academic setting, beautiful and intricate world building, politics and court intrigue, romance…I loved it. A superb start to a new fantasy series and I can’t wait for the next book!

HELLO!! This book is incredible. It hits a lot of my favorite dark academia tropes, without feeling too much. I was hooked from the first chapter and found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next. I read this in one day, which is a testament to how much I was enjoying it.